Retrospective observational study of penetrating keratoplasty in the management of non-responsive microbial keratitis.

Microbial keratitis tops the list of the diseases leading to corneal blindness. Corneal transplant, either partial or full thickness, is the most helpful technique for infective keratitis that remains non- responsive, even with the most suitable medical treatment. Aims of this study are to evaluate the success of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in non-responsive microbial keratitis in eradication of infection, restoration of anatomical integrity of the globe and prevention of complication that influence the visual prognosis in a positive way. Result of the retrospective study of 60 patients who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, following infected keratitis showed restoration of anatomical integrity in 51 cases (85%). Success rate of penetrating keratoplasty was higher in non- perforated (92%) than in perforated group (74.28%) and in non-mycotic than in mycotic group. Penetrating keratoplasty in non-responsive infected keratitis is thus helpful.